Rising from the stony plateau overlooking the rivers and plains of the western continent, and growing wealthy from the gem stones pulled from this same rocky soil, Etzos is a bastion of independence, eagerly spreading its belief that man should rule Idalos, not be servants of the vain Immortals who nearly destroyed it. But can the different factions set aside their agendas long enough to see this through?

Ashan, the season of growth. As the darkness of Cylus finally faded, everything took a different rhythm in Etzos – and perhaps the rest of the world, too. People left their homes more often, they were joyful, even motivated to get things done. Farmers began practicing their professions once again, and animals were no longer caged in throughout the day. Everything took a different rhythm, indeed, and it was something Paplo noticed but cared not for regardless.

The Mortalborn was currently enjoying one of the rare days in which he had nothing to do. His class had been suspended due to infection spreading through the Sanitarium. His stomach was still satisfied from last night’s fest – he had found a conveniently dead wolf in the Farmlands – and his social obligations were currently null. No romantic partner to take care of, no innkeeper to remind him he was behind on rent, nor any test subject he had left caged in for study. For a moment, he pondered on that last point, as more than once he had forgotten about poor individuals such as those. No, he mentally confirmed, he had none of those. He just lost interest in them quite quickly, and then kept them for when he couldn’t fodder anywhere else.

However, he was free, and freedom he disliked. Being busy and having objectives was the basis of his life, always fulfilling this and that to not be left pondering on matters he had no business in. In moments such as this, he dwelled in his precise imagination. Using established facts, he planned future maneuvers, conversations or interactions, all of them with a hidden purpose. Speaking for people for no reason was pointless and stupid, and it was clear to him stupidity had never grown into his being. To enjoy the newfound sun, Paplo had rescued a lonely wooden chair found in an alley, and had instead placed it right after the Great Parhn Gate, just below the colossal statue of this Parhn individual. There, he sat under the sun, eating slice after slice of the sack of apples he had bought himself, cutting them with a small ivory knife made from his own rib. For him, said costal bones were almost useless, for he rarely needed protection from anything but the elements.

Occasionally, he’d wave to the guards changing shift. Most of those coming to their shift would approach him, and they’d ask him why was he sitting in the court. Before they had the time to explain the court was not a place for loitering, he informed them he had been given permission, and he’d offer one of these green apples as well as conversation if wished so. Because of this, he was left alone, and he could watch as people came and went by. Most of those were citizens, moving in or out of the city with their carts, animals, or just their baskets. It was only in occasions when Paplo saw these newcomers coming by, with their bags of clothes and stuff they had carried from wherever it is they came from. That he didn’t understood. Why carry stuff around? What was so important in those bags that it couldn’t be left behind?

Whenever these confused souls stopped to gape at the statue behind Paplo, or looked around confused, holding maps or their chins in thought, Paplo would flare his spark with strength. He had the habit of collecting mages, so to speak, for his later benefit. These mages, like Neronin or Aerlan, could always be traded in for favors from Vuda. A nice house and a barn full of produce would be the ideal. Were Vuda to offer him that, he wouldn’t doubt to betray those comrades, as they would call him. It wasn’t as if they would be killed; quite the contrary. They’d be offered good employment and a nice living in exchange of their freedom, but it was a bargain nonetheless. He’d be doing them a favor, really.

Paplo was growing more adept at locating mages. They used to be thin of build, pale in the flesh and suspicious in the eyes. This morning was proving to be quite unsuccessful in his hunt, per se, for nobody had yet approached him, drawn by his unique appeal. The origin of that appeal was a mystery, just like his ability to survive what no other living being could survive. Oh well, he thought, as he cut himself another slice of apple and placed it politely into his maws. The teacher crossed one leg over the other, tilted his head back, and closed his eyes, now enjoying the sunlight that barely warmed up the chilly Ashan morning.

Lost, again. By the immortals, whoever had designed this city didn't have the less intelligent folk in mind. Fridgar had been in Etzos for twenty or so trials, on eight of those trials, he'd ended up lost. Even Vuda's crib confused the Lotharro and he'd spent most of his time there. Where were the damn woods? If he could just find the damn city gate, he could go and find a nice cave retreat - perhaps find a new bear to maul and make his new totem? If only he were so lucky.

On the subject of luck, fleeing Rynmere due to being declared an enemy of the kingdom was just his. The Eidisi had deserved the scare, he'd done nothing wrong. She shouldn't have poked the bear; it was her own damn fault and he stood by that, especially with Alistair's support. Either way, he was stuck in crummy Etzos for 'an arc', like hell. Vuda didn't have that much to be done, surely? We should probably hang around for a bit longer, Vuda has been good to us reminded his own voice in his head? It was true, Vuda was a nice guy and sorta needed the help - by extension, Fridgar would be cured as well.

Fridgar closed his eyes and halted while walking and meditated through his mind’s eye - were there any pockets of ether lying about for him to have fun with? Indeed, there were! Fridgar could see one just ahead of him. Opening his eyes revealed that the ether sat behind a big ass wall. With a groan, Fridgar made his approach. Upon arriving, he brandished his claws and leaped at the wall, trying to use the natural weapons for support in his attempted scaling. baring his fangs, he pulled himself further up by utilising his massive strength over his tremendous body weight mass.

Finally, he managed to get one elbow over the top of the wall and used that as leverage to help his upper body onto the top. He didn't mind so much that random citizens were staring at him with confusion from behind, instead, he clung for dear life at the wall's edge and pressed into his palms, lifting himself to waist level. Nearly there he encouraged himself then leaned forward into the climb. As was customary for the dumb Lotharro, he leaned too much and accidentally threw himself over the other side of the wall. "Shit!" came his sudden protest before landing back first in the grass, the impact forced the air from his lungs and prompted a cough.

After lying for half a bit, he got to his feet and brushed himself off. A clean claw would adjust his eyepatch before closing his eyes once more and looking about through his mind’s eye for the pocket of Ether. Once he'd found it again, Fridgar made his approach and opened his eyes. Wait what? Some dude eating apple slices was sitting on the freaking ether pocket! Fridgar curled his lips in a snarl before being approached by a couple of guards, memories of Rynmere crept up and his mind turned to aggression on the spot. "Fuck off and go tell Vuda about it." he barked, showing his ring in a clenched fist. The younger of the two guards gripped the handle of his weapon before being grabbed by the older male. He apologised and dragged the younger male away, the younger of the two begrudgingly complied.

With a smirk, Fridgar released his pent-up anger and looked to the sitting man - what would happen if he opened a pocket of ether that big into a portal while the man was there? Time to experiment - He raised a paw and widened his stance. With his paw outstretched he closed his eyes and focused on the ether, only to find he couldn't get a grip on it. He tried opening his paw regardless, but it was weightless - was it because the man was sitting there? Fridgar wasn't too experienced a rupturer to understand, so he approached the male.

The Lotharro stood at seven feet tall, very broad shouldered and muscular enough to show through his leather clothing. The visible parts of his skin were covered in scars, his left hand was acid washed while his right was coated in laceration scars, likely done by talons of a bird of prey. His face was adorned by plenty of tiny scars, forced by tiny tears in the skin likely from blunt force trauma, his nose had a bump in the bridge from countless breakages. The beast's mane was brushed back, thick and brown to fully behold his eyepatch. Though no scars or markings surrounded the black leather, none that would indicate a damaged eye, at least. What is more than his appearance? The creature stunk of raw meat.

Fridgar found himself hungry while stood next to the man, but why? He couldn't eat an apple even if he wanted to. That being said, the Lothar did miss the taste of sweet things. "Can I have an apple?" Fridgar asked suddenly, forgetting the entire reason he'd come over to pester the male. His eye would widen in realisation for a trill before speaking "Oh!" His claws would comb through his brown shaggy hair. "Also, I need you to move, you're sitting on a pocket of ether." he declared with a nod, not seeming to realise that the male was in fact leaking the ether.

While Fridgar didn't understand the general public's views on magic in Etzos, he understood that he could snap the male before him in half before he could scream about a magic user, what is more, Vuda would have his back - he might just get away with it and all.

Crowd-watching was an avid hobby of the Mortalborn. The way they moved, talked, and thought was more interesting to him than interacting with them. Only through the distance could one see just how secretive they were about themselves, how afraid they were of what they were or what they wanted. They lived repressed, really, stuck into their own little bubbles and afraid of looking anywhere but where they trembling feet took them. It took great confidence to let go of those irrational fears, be it of rejection, abandonment or death itself. However, most people had learned to compensate through this. They wore mask and suits, just like Paplo wore a person mask and suit. They hid beneath their expressions, but if one was smart enough, they could see the fear in their eyes. Those lame enough to lack the capacity to hide often saw their realities become truth, and so they would be outcasts.

When Paplo laid eyes on the colossal Lotharro, he immediately branded said individual as one of the lame ones. Everything about him screamed of his confidence, about his lack of fear about anything too deep, as if his own psychology was as undeveloped as the teachers’. His behavior was erratic, and his thoughts were shallow at best, flinging and flailing Vuda’s name like it was a handkerchief. Would it not have been better to just act normal and spare yourself the need to state your connections? Paplo knew Vuda too, but he had never used his name for favors. If he needed it, he would, but otherwise he wouldn’t compromise whatever position Vuda held within Etzos. At least one thing was clear; this individual inflicted with gigantism was a mage.

Paplo kept his brows raised and a small smirk on his lips as the male approached. He was aware of the animalistic man’s physical qualities, but he wasn’t intimidated. Surely it would be a different tale were their encounter to be less public than it was. However, Paplo had the advantage. Not only he too worked for Vuda, even if he had no signet to prove it, but he was also a respected and well-behaved citizen. Sharing a couple of apples, despite being difficult for him, guaranteed his safety. As such, he remained relaxed, biting on the slice of his golden apple.“Good morning,” he’d greet with a soft and modulated voice, a hand reaching into his sack and extracting an apple which he then offered to the male. “The best apples found in the Outer Perimeter.” “I’m afraid there is no need for me to move,” he’d say after the giant’s somewhat blunt request. “This pocket is a decoy. As a mage, you’ll absorb it in the following thrills, and it’ll be gone. I also fear that it will have disappointing effects. Wait and feel for yourself.”

As promised, Paplo slowly began closing his spark, and with it the ether slowly faded until it was almost impossible to perceive. The spark couldn’t be closed entirely, but it would nonetheless take a certain amount of concentration to discover that. “There are several of these decoys around Etzos,” explained Paplo, lying calmly. “Our mutual acquaintance uses them to attract those unspotted mages so they can be included in the ‘registry’, if you will. I am merely here to meet those initiated into the arcane and explain the situation to them. They rarely complain, and if they do…” Paplo pointed towards the Gate and the vast amounts of guards that guarded it.

A new slice was introduced, politely, into Paplo’s maws, his blue eyes measuring the Lotharro from top to bottom. What kind of mage wanted attention upon himself? He could be a defiant, or a necromancer. He didn’t know any other arcane disciplines, but surely his knowledge wasn’t complete.“I would also suggest that you mind your behavior in public. Despite being in service of our mutual acquaintance, common sense and self-discipline are valued. There is no need to attract unnecessary attention.” After a pause, Paplo finally asked. “May I ask what services do you perform for Karnos Vuda, mister…?”

"Woah..." Fridgar blinked. "I didn't expect you to give me an apple, thank you!" The Lothar bared his fangs in a joyous grin. Of course, the apple would be useless to him. Eating anything that wasn't fresh meat would result in immediate... regurgitation... Yet for some reason, Fridgar found himself biting into the apple. It tasted like ash on his tongue, nothing about it was edible in his corrupted biology, but he swallowed anyway. A look of uncertainty crossed his eyes, waiting a trill or two before jerking his whole body in a violent convulsion. Immediately, he fell to his knee and coughed up the bite of apple, the visage was like that of a dog that had ate too much grass. Finally, he stood, leaving the chewed apple piece in a small puddle of saliva among the grass.

Fridgar looked at the male for a trill, before back at the apple he'd failed to consume. "The apples in Etzos are crap." he explained bluntly. With a sigh, he offered the male the apple back by extending his paw. If the male did not want the apple back, Fridgar would turn and throw the apple as far and as fast as possible, sending it over the wall and out of sight.

"So, it's fake ether? You're a mage too then?" Fridgar leaned in closer and shut his eyes, scanning for the ether that had disappeared suddenly. "That's just not fair..." Fridgar declared, a sound of hurt or betrayal in his voice. Why didn't Alistair tell him about fake ether pockets? Maybe he'd never been to Etzos before? With another sigh, he stood up straight once more and opened his eyes. "What a bunch of bull." No ether to mess about with, no apple to satiate his sudden bout of hunger, this was beginning to look like a waste of Fridgar's time - but then, what else was he going to do with said time?

"How do I get to the wilderness from here?" The giant asked with a look of hunger. His body was desperate for meat, the rejection of the apple had only spiralled him further into the need to sate his appetite. "Our mutual acquaintance...? You mean Vuda? You also work for him?" Fridgar paused. "Wait, how do you know I work for Vuda?" Fridgar asked with a look of confusion, not seeming to realise he'd been so loud when abusing the guard.

Fridgar crossed his arms, standing up straight with a questioning look of a raised eyebrow down at the smaller male. Common sense and self-discipline the male had spoken. "I've got plenty of both." He lied, if that had been the case, he'd never have had to come to Etzos. That being said, with a mouth like the one the smaller male was wagging, Fridgar must have been somewhat disciplined to have not ripped it from his body. The cocky, arrogant types pissed him off faster than anything, hence why he'd attempted to murder someone in the presence of the king in a palace loaded with guards - Fridgar did not care for the law, he was an animal on the inside and did not live by rules of society.

May I ask what services do you perform for Karnos Vuda, mister…?"Fridgar, I don't got no last name." he shook his head lightly. "As for services... 'Manual Labour'"Fridgar put emphasis on the words as if to say 'its so much worse than that'. "I'm a becomer you see, and a thumping good one at that too." Fridgar sighed, relaxing his shoulders. "Sadly, I've lost all my totems, so I can't do much now." Fridgar spoke half the truth, he was still a force to be reckoned with, even with only his self-totem in his possession. The male didn't need to know of his rupturing abilities, however, as he was still quite the novice at the whole space-portal thing. "What about you, guy?" He spoke as if to remind the human that he hadn't introduced himself either.

Paplo was somewhat offended at the vomited out apple. Was this male simply being arrogant, unreasonably rude, or was there something else about him Paplo didn’t know about? The teacher guessed the rudeness, yet he had no time to attempt one of his psychological analysis routines he believed capable of performing. Instead, he gaped towards the chewed piece of apple. The Mortalborn must’ve been inspired that day, for he didn’t jump directly onto the floor to lick those perfectly salvageable apple remains, which he would’ve undoubtedly enjoyed despite being partially processed by the colossus before him. Nonetheless, he took back the apple from the Lothar, offering a smile nonetheless.“I said they were the best in the Outer Perimeter, not Etzos. We’re not too big on imports, see. The quality of the foreign produce is often questionable or compromised. I apologize,” he said, amicably. His eyes studied the male with great care.

Paplo then shook his head, and even offered a coy chuckle towards the stranger. “I am no magic user, no,” he’d confess with great sadness. “I am merely a sort of secretary for these sorts of things, a receptionist, if you will. I’m sorry if you felt disappointed. Finding an ether pocket in the city would be quite weird, though. Don’t you think?” Unless one was willing to harvest human souls, thought Paplo. It must’ve been the same ether.

Paplo now fell quiet. The becomer was eager to share his life with Paplo despite being a stranger, and he found no issue with it. It eased the process greatly for him. It was rare for a mage to be so… open, about it all. As such, this was a golden opportunity to learn more about them. It wasn’t until a vague idea of whatever the male was formed into Paplo’s head that he didn’t speak again.“What is a becomer, if I may ask? I apologize, but….” Paplo then recalled Vuda’s words, and quoted them exactly. “My talents lie… elsewhere.” Another slice was shoved into Paplo’s maws, which ate slowly and politely. It would be quite a surprise to imagine that same jaw biting off whole pieces of skull with the same halo of politeness. “Perhaps those totems you speak of is something I can help with, were I to know what they were, how are they acquired, and if you’d be willing to be assisted into the matter. It is my duty, after all, to provide for individuals with your ‘talents’, if you will.”

In return for his interrogation, Paplo now stood up, still holding onto his knife and the current apple. Even if above average in height, the Mortalborn was no match for the towering stature and width of Fridgar. An arm loft softly, pointing towads the south-east. “There is a nearby forest somewhat secure from the looming deforestation of the area. The terrain proved to be quite unforgiving for the woodcutting crews, and so it was reserved for the practices of hunting, mushroom picking, and as a refugee for some animal species,” he’d explain, thinking of Noth as those animal species. He wondered if it would be better to warn Fridgar about Noth. The idea was discarded when he imagined Noth’s broken neck being detached from his ugly frame, or the image of seven feet of stabbed and dead meat due to Noth’s violent tendencies. Both situations were appealing. "Would you like me to guide you there? I have some experience in the zone."“At any rate,” spoke Paplo at last, offering a delicate hand towards Fridgar, shining a wide grin of regular teeth towards his new acquaintance. “My name is Paplo Ynush, and it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Please, do not hesitate to ask me any other queries, for it is my duty to make your stay in Etzos as pleasant as possible. I may not be able to help with your forced social labor, but any other issues I may be able to fix. May I ask why do you seek the wilderness?”

Paplo’s advanced nostrils finally felt the scent of raw meat that surrounded the wild man, and a growl came through his stomach and the cheap dark suit that covered it. It wasn’t so much because of the appeal of said raw meat, but because his imagination ran wild with advanced cooking recipes and spices he believed could make quite the culinary experience. Pepper, cumin, salt, potatoes, sliced tomatoes… Fridgar smelled as if he hid a pantry inside his body.

Fridgar rolled his one eye, a non magic user, a normie, a muggle. AN ORDINARY HUMAN. Fridgar didn't have much time for the likes of him, nope. He'd like to have said 'well at least he's a nice guy' but in all honesty, the guy was a bit of a pretentious prick. Secretary or not, he probably didn't know how to hunt and wouldn't be able to help him much further.

Fridgar cocked his head "You don't know what a becomer is?" He asked with a raised eyebrow. "I guess that makes sense, it's a rare practice and most people use it for stealth." The hulking beast crossed his arms and nodded with his eyes closed, pretending to know what he was talking about. "We use ether to transform our bodies." Fridgar explained, turning over and empty palm. "We use markers that we call totems to copy the genetic structure of various animals then utilise our internal ether to become the animal we have made a totem of." Fridgar grinned, he wasn't all that smart, but he knew what he was talking about when it came to becoming.

Fridgar widened his eyes - This guy, Paplo could help him get totems? Why didn't he think of that before? he'd always braved the wilderness alone in search of magnificent beasts to harvest, that was until he and Alistair took to the river and fought the king crocodile just trials prior. "That's not a bad idea actually. Can you fight?" Fridgar asked, looking the male up and down, he didn't look like a fighter, that much was certain. "Totems are..." He started, feeling around in his pocket to retrieve his finger. Clasping it, he removed it from its resting place And held it out for Paplo to see.

It was a bone wrapped with browned skin near one of the joints, presumably held together by some sort of adhesive. "This is my self-totem, it's made of my bone, blood hair and skin. Though I only needed the blood, bone and hair." Fridgar twirled the bone in his fingers before putting it back in his pocket. "It's what lets me turn back into myself after becoming an animal."or a monster. Fridgar popped his knuckles and limbered up with a roll of his shoulders "You need samples of bone, blood, hair or skin to make a totem, and they all have to come from the exact same animal or person." that last part slipped out. He carried on, hoping that Paplo didn't notice the 'becoming other people' part.

"But yeah, I'm gonna go hunting for lion, tigers and bears. Whatever sorts of cool animals you've got in the area."and for some food, too reminded his thoughts. God damn, he was hungry. At this point in time, he'd eat a squirrel alive if he got his hands on one. "So yeah, come with if you can handle yourself. Otherwise, thanks Paplo." he spoke before nodding and turning to walk in the direction that Paplo had pointed him.

The Mortalborn was too little of a man to be bothered by the obvious loathing that Fridgar attempted to hide, surely taken aback by the ignorance and reluctance to fight. Both men were truly quite opposite in their beings, Fridgar being the center of attention whilst Paplo was just a face in the crowd, Fridgar wielding violence and Paplo wielding… well, hidden violence. Regardless, Paplo didn’t discriminate, and if he would’ve, he had no chance to do so due to Fridgar’s explanation.

Becoming.

Paplo wondered if his existence had been a lie, if he was a becomer all along rather than the only known specimen of his own race. The through of such possibility, although possible to some degree, was terrifying. To gape towards this beast of a man and be branded the same would be quite an insult for something as complex as the teacher was. Paplo could certainly become anything he wanted, but he needed no totems for such transformations. With a mixture of hope and fear, Paplo waited to gather more information about this discipline before branding himself as a Becomer. As such, he would still brand himself as Immortal, which was the closest entity he related to. “I see,” he said, nodding slowly. “It certainly seems like a unique discipline, my friend. I shudder to imagine the possibilities of such ability, if you will. What does one of those tote---“

Before Paplo could finish his question, Fridgar was already explaining. The Mortalborn’s blue eyes laid on the totemic formation, and found it aesthetically disappointing. He would’ve imagined something similar would’ve be made aesthetically pleasing, as it seemed to be the one totem Fridgar depended on. Most humans would’ve made it pretty, with bows and colors, but this giant didn’t, detail that somewhat surprised Paplo. He considered the possibility of Fridgar being more psychologically adept at neglecting material goods, which would explain the ugliness of his totem… but, with a last glance towards the Lothar, Paplo concluded he was just dumb. “Interesting. I imagine you often require of dead specimens to craft a totem, correct? Thousands of questions now clot into my mind, and despite being eager to ask, I shall hold off my curiosity to answer;” pause. “No, I am not a fighter, but I am capable of guiding you throughout the Etzori landscape in search of viable specimens. It is my duty, after all.”

The both now walked the Etzori roads, and left through the Great Parhn Gate, where many guards nodded towards Paplo, some even asking for extra apples Paplo gladly offered. The only fruit that now remained was that previousy bit by Fridgar, and so he began slicing it with his small bone knife and eating as the pair descended the ramp leading to the Outer Perimeter.“This is the Outer Perimeter,” he’d inform. “Most of the populace lives here. Not very safe, but it’s cheap and there’s plenty of room for everyone. There’s a market, various inns, and even a butcher shop or two were you to crave for some flesh.” Paplo certainly did. He often sneaked in the back to lick the hanged meat whilst the butcher was occupied.

His mind was heavy with doubt. Many were the questions that flooded his already curious intellect, yet he was patient enough to not formulate all of them. If Fridgar and his wide mouth were around, Paplo could learn more and more with minimal effort. As such, Fridgar needed to stay around him for as long as it took. “Most of the fields around Etzos have been deforested throughout the years, yet a small patch has been saved. I happen to often traverse it in search of mental peace, for mere naturalistic joy, or to dine on my own,” Paplo would say, not mentioning how he often dragged men and women into said forest to fornicate them until their heads were opened with a rock. Details, details. “Many travelers speak of horrid creatures hiding in them, so I believe we could be luc-----“

He saw it, then.

In the dumb face of the avian, with its black googly eyes, its stiff beak and their fat bodies, Paplo saw Noth’s goose. Immediately, bitter hatred surfaced within him, or the closest sentiment to something similar. The animal was nothing but a collared pest, leashed onto a monster too ugly to find any other proper company. Paplo still remembered how the so-called Vern had assaulted him, bullied him into submitting the lettuce the Mortalborn had struggled to find in Cylus. A lettuce in Cylus! And that damned goose had taken it, eaten it, and then taken a white crap on top of the teacher’s suit whilst Noth guided him into the treacherous cave he inhabited. “I happen to need assistance in an important matter I believe you could help me with, my friend,” he announced towards his companion. “It would not only give me the chance to study your abilities, which is something appealing for someone as curious as myself, but it would also be a good excuse to carry out this very important task I’ve mentioned. I would be willing to pay you in return, yet you would have to promise to keep this matter secret for all eternity.”

Paplo then pointed towards the gaggle of white geese, which plotted the demise of the whole Etzori landscape whilst their owner paraded them around. “It would involve becoming a goose.”

Of course, this weirdo wanted to come with him. The fact that he couldn't fight meant that he was dragging around dead weight. Well, his knowledge was useful if nothing else. While Fridgar was more than capable of handling himself and carrying more than one monster at a time, he would have appreciated some help. If worst came to worse, Paplo could always serve as bait. His big brain would be good enough at that, if not to give Fridgar the information he needed. Still though, he didn't mind indulging in some company for a trip.

"Oh, interesting." Fridgar spoke without paying much attention to Paplo's explanation of the outer perimeter. Nothing of the city interested him, he just wanted his cure and his totems. Oh, and he wanted food, very badly. It was a strange sensation, he didn't feel the typical emptiness that came with hunger, but he felt the desire to indulge in fresh meat all the same. Fridgar halted with Paplo, what sort of horrid beast had he set eyes on? He looked about the area with enthusiasm, searching for the beast in question, only to see a flock of geese. Unsure, he traced Paplo's line of sight to the creature he was staring at - the geese?

"The geese?" he asked with confusion as Paplo's face curled with passionate fury. "Uhh... I don't..." Fridgar started, only to be interrupted by Paplo. The giant couldn't help but raise his eyebrows in shock of the human's bout of insanity. He listened intently and didn't flinch when the human addressed him as 'friend'. He wanted to study becoming? And get some help in some sort of job? He had to become a GOOSE? While Fridgar needed totems, he was more thinking along the lines of big angry predators. But a goose? He'd sooner shave his beard! Fridgar was still in denial about the loss of his magnificent facial hair.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't want people to know I became a goose anyway." Fridgar, enemy of the kingdom - it was said that after fleeing Rynmere, he assumed the form of a crocodile and a goose. "Any goose in particular? Pick one out." he instructed, only doing this for the nel - he might need it for the journey to his homeland. Once Paplo had chosen a goose, he'd take hold of it and brush along its back with his giant paw. Paplo might notice the hunger in his eye as he focused on the creature. "Okay. I'll eat- ...meet you here tomorrow? It will take a little time to dedicate the totem." Fridgar explained. Once the two had discussed an appropriate meeting time and place, Fridgar would be on his way with his meal-to-be.

Paplo nodded, and smiled politely. However, behind his façade, the monster he was cackled like a maniac. All his plans and ploys were to be realizes thanks to this goof of a man. For the first time, he felt like stripping down to laugh in his natural form, to rejoice at the sweet possibilities Fridgar would bring him now that he had a way of infiltrating Noth’s bubble. Revenge is what he craved – or compensation, if one wished to be precise. Paplo’s suit had been a nightmare to clean, requiring not one, not two, and not three washings, but three! All because of Noth’s insistence of exploring his filthy cave, in which Paplo’s clothing had been ruined, his shoes had been lost, and his sanity was compromised. “That one,” he said, pointing to the one resembling Vern the most. He approached the man guiding the feral and dangerous geese. “Excuse me, sir. I’d like to purchase this goose.”

Five golden nel after, and a tedious explanation of the marvelous nature of the geese, Paplo returned to Fridgar, dragging the goose behind him with a small cord. It certainly made a weird pet, which was even weirder considering Noth, a pet himself, had one. Pet for pets? The world was crazy.“Here it is,” he said, handing over the end of the improvised leash. “We’ll meet tomorrow right here, then.” With that, Paplo bowed, and took his leave.

He was smiling.

----------

A few bits later, Paplo found himself in one of the Outer Perimeter’s brothels. The stench of genitalia, filthy and unprotected sexual relationships, and the sound of gaggling set the tone for Paplo’s intentions. With confidence, he planted himself before the bartender in charge of the small bar area.“I’m planning a special evening for a friend. I need aphrodisiacs to increase libido, enhance their sexual needs, and make them crave sexual contact. The strongest you’ve got, of course. Make sure I can mix them with food.” The bartender rose an eyebrow, but he didn’t squirm. In his lifetime, he must’ve heard weirder requests, and since this request fit his job description, he pondered for a moment and finally nodded.“I’ve got a few ideas in mind,” he’d say, with a toothless grin. “And in stock, too.” “Then let’s make sure we’re thorough with it all. We don’t want true love to have cardiovascular boundaries, do we?” Paplo liked men like these. They didn’t judge; they provided without question. “Make sure to include some sort of lubricating agent on the side. Let’s make sure the hinges don’t squeak.”

After the ingredients were wrapped in a bag, and their use was explained to Paplo, he paid a generous sum to the man. When he left, his mind was already starving for answers he would find out the following day.

Knowledge :Skill Knowledge:Knowledge: Negotiation: A snack and conversationDetection: Watching strangersPsychology: The fear of mortalsDeception: Using Mortalborn abilties to craft a lieMortalborn Ability (Ether Lure): Drawing magesInterrogation: Using restricted information to find out moreDeception: Leading someone into a trapNegotiation: Working a deal

Other Knowledge:Magic Discipline: BecomingBecoming: Works with TotemsRace: Lotharro